OK, random question here: do any of you watch cinemasins on Youtube? If so, you'll understand what I mean when I say that every time I wrote the words 'the night shift' while writing this story, there was a voice in my head saying "Roll credits!" If you don't watch that channel, it probably means nothing, but you should check it out. They take movies and rip through them highlighting all the sins that show up. It's hilarious.
On another note: I have made up a lot about TC's past. I read some stuff about his family life online, but I changed a few things, and wove it in with what we've learned on the show. It's not all canon. Same with some other characters, some things are a little fudged, so please don't be confused!
Disclaimer: I don't own The Night Shift
"T, what are you doing? Come on man, talk to me."
"T? T, put the gun down!"
Topher gasped and startled himself awake as he came to in the bright bedroom. His mind raced and his breath struggled to calm down as he pulled himself out of the terrifying dream.
But it wasn't a dream. It wasn't a dream because it had actually happened. He remembered all too clearly the horror at walking into TC's apartment and finding him sitting in the dark, on his bed, with a gun clasped tightly in his hands. The look in his eyes when Topher had found him was something the older doctor knew he would never forget.
"Topher, what's wrong?"
Topher looked up quickly, and tried to smile an assurance to his wife, but knew he fell flat. "I'm fine, Janet. Just a bad dream."
Janet sat down on the edge of the bed and rubbed Topher's back comfortingly. "It's TC, isn't it."
Topher winced. Was TC really that bad that his wife automatically knew when the issue at hand involved his best friend?
Janet seemed to know what he was thinking, and smiled softly. "He's the only one who gives you that particular worried look. I know you two are closer than brothers, it's only right that you worry about him."
Topher nodded slowly, his gaze lowering to the bedspread. "He's going back," he whispered softly. "He's been recalled, and he's going back. And I hate myself because I'm not going to be there watching his back, and I hate myself because I'm glad I don't have to go too."
His voice rose with each word, until he was nearly shouting by the end.
Janet leaned back slightly, surprised at the news. She knew nearly as well as Topher about what had happened to cause TC to be sent home the last time. She had thought he was out.
Apparently not. Forcing herself to focus on her husband, she gave him a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry, baby. But there's nothing wrong with you being relieved that you're not going back there, Topher. I know I'm selfishly glad that you're not going back." She pulled back and looked at him earnestly. "I think I'm feeling the same guilt right now. I hate myself for being relieved that I'm not in Jordan's shoes. I don't know what to say here, Topher. I wish I had the words."
Topher nodded. "I know." He really did. What was the right thing to say? Was there even a right thing?
"When does he leave?" Janet queried, grasping his hand tightly.
Topher grimaced. "Three days. He goes to Fort Hood, and from there, he'll meet up with his old Ranger Battalion at Fort Benning in Georgia. He'll probably be back in the Middle East within two weeks."
Janet couldn't do anything other than hug him again.
"What are we going to tell Lynn?" Topher asked quietly, closing his eyes in distress.
Janet winced. "The truth," she said adamantly. "Lynn's old enough to handle it. She'll be upset, but she's strong. We can't lie to her."
Topher nodded. He knew that, but his first instinct would always be to protect his daughter.
Janet sighed and pulled back. "Come on," she held out her hand for Topher to take, and together, they stood up. "Let's go talk to our daughter."
XXX
Jordan smiled softly as she watched two kids running around the park, laughing joyously while their parents looked on.
She and TC had been here all afternoon, basking in the warm early summer day. They had brought lunch with them, and were content to stay in this park until they had to leave for work.
TC followed her gaze and his own expression softened as he watched the kids – brother and sister most likely – playing some version of tag, if he had to guess. They looked so happy and alive.
Jordan sighed as she leaned into her boyfriend's side. "I wish we could stay here forever," she commented idly, feeling a sense of calm that had been seriously lacking in the last couple of days, ever since TC had received that summons recalling him to active duty.
TC leaned over and placed a kiss on the top of her head, taking in her scent; it was a mix of lavender and vanilla, uniquely Jordan.
All around them, families were picnicking, playing Frisbee, walking along the San Antonio River Walk. They all looked so happy. TC wished that he and Jordan could join in, but even with the content air between them, there was still the hovering sense of doom. TC was about to leave for months on end. He was about to head into a war zone.
Jordan sighed as she leaned back, until she was lying on the ground, one arm pillowing her head while the other remained firmly attached to TC's.
Following her lead, TC also lay down, the two studying the puffy white clouds above them.
"I just keep wondering how," Jordan admitted, glancing to the side where she could see several happy families and couples. None of them had a care in the world.
TC knew what she was thinking. "I know," he agreed. "They're all so happy, so carefree." He looked up at the sky. "It's a beautiful day, and it just feels like it should be raining."
Jordan nodded slightly.
TC let out a weary groan. "I wish everyone would stop walking on eggshells around me," he admitted. Yesterday's shift had been fraught with tension, as no one seemed to know how to act around him. What did you say to someone who was about to head off to war? Honestly, at the very least, Topher and Drew should be acting normally. They had served, and in Drew's case, were still serving. Even if he was in the Reserves, he was still a soldier.
Jordan winced. "I'm sorry. It's just a huge shock to all of us. I mean, half the night shift has served, but usually by the time they end up working at the hospital, they're out or in the Reserves and not expected to go back. They just don't know what to say."
TC nodded. "Yeah, I get it." He paused briefly. "I think Topher feels guilty."
Jordan furrowed her brow, glancing over at him. "Why? Because he's not going with you?"
TC shrugged awkwardly, the movement not easy when he was lying on his back. He shifted so that he was on his side, one arm propping his head up as he threaded the fingers of his other hand through Jordan's, squeezing gently. "I think that's part of it, but honestly, I think he feels relieved that he's not going back, and guilty for feeling that way. I mean, I totally get it, and I'm happy for him that he's out and won't ever have to get that letter. But I think he doesn't know how to act because he feels like he should be going with me."
"You should talk to him," Jordan suggested.
TC nodded. "Yeah," he agreed noncommittally.
Jordan recognized the look and the tone, and wisely dropped the subject. TC didn't need her nagging at him.
"We've got about an hour before we need to be at the hospital," she said instead, throwing him a sly smirk.
Catching on, TC grinned and leaned over, capturing her lips with his own, tugging her into a soul-searing kiss.
When he pulled back several minutes later, both were breathing heavily. Jordan wondered how the hell she was supposed to live without this for months on end. How could she handle not seeing him every day, not being able to touch him, hold him, feel his body pressed against hers?
TC seemed to be having similar thoughts, as he hovered barely an inch above her, his expression filled with love, desire, passion, and a hundred other emotions Jordan couldn't even begin to identify.
"Marry me."
Jordan blinked slowly, wondering if she had actually heard what she thought she had. "What?"
TC sighed and pulled back further. "I made the mistake of not asking you last time, I don't want to do that again." He sat up and pulled out a black velvet box from his jacket, which was lying under the backpack that they had used to transport their lunch to the park.
Jordan gasped lightly as she sat up as well. TC bit his lip as he turned the box over in his hands, and then opened it. Lying inside was a delicate white gold ring. An emerald cut diamond was sitting on top, framed on either side by a sapphire.
"T…" she trailed off, not able to form words.
TC smiled, catching her gaze with his own. "I bought this ring before I left for my last tour, but I was too scared to give it to you. I didn't want to take that step not knowing what might happen. But in the end, we both just ended up miserable. Part of me wants to tell you to let me go, to break up with you so that you can be free to be happy with someone else, since I'm about to walk head first into a war zone. But I'm too selfish. I want you all to myself, and no matter what happens, I want to go over there knowing that you'll still be here when I come back."
TC took a deep breath and shifted so that he was on one knee in front of his girlfriend. "I love you, so much. I'm not good with feelings, or sharing emotions, but for some reason, you put up with me anyway. I've got issues, and I'm definitely not a saint. I can't sing, I'm stubborn, I've got no respect for authority…" he paused and tilted his head to the side. "Though to be fair, Ragosa's the one who told me that, and as he was an asshole administrator who hated my guts at the time, I'm not sure how much to read into it. Anyway," he shook himself off and refocused on the task at hand. "Jordan Elizabeth Alexander, will you marry me?"
Jordan had tears in her eyes as she listened to TC talk, and this time, they were happy tears. "Yes! Yes!" she nearly shouted, grinning as she held out her left hand.
TC's smile could have powered the sun as he took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her fourth finger, before leaning into kiss her. His arms snaked around her waist as he pushed her down onto her back, falling after her.
All around them, people were smiling and clapping, taking joy in the loving proposal they had just witnessed.
TC and Jordan were oblivious until they pulled apart a minute later and realized just how much attention was on them.
Jordan blushed and lowered her head, closing her eyes in embarrassment, even though the smile stayed firmly fixed on her face.
TC grinned as he glanced behind him at the crowd. After a moment, he pulled Jordan up, collecting their belongings as they packed up and prepared to head to the hospital.
Several people came by to congratulate them, and Jordan thanked them graciously, still beaming. Knowing that they had to leave or be late for work, they beat a hasty retreat and escaped the crowds still gathered around them.
Jordan was laughing as she slid into the passenger seat of TC's car. "Did you mean to have such an audience?" she grinned at her fiancé. It felt so amazing to think of him like that. He was her fiancé. They were going to get married. She refused to think about the ever-present dread right now. They were engaged. Finally.
TC shrugged as he put the car in drive and eased it out onto the street, headed for the hospital. "I hadn't really planned it that much. It just seemed like the right time."
Jordan raised an eyebrow. "You didn't plan it? Why did you have the ring then?"
TC bit his lip. "I've been carrying it around since I got the letter." He didn't want to bring that letter up now, not when they were so happy. "I just knew I had to give it to you before… you know… I left."
Jordan nodded soberly. "I love you." She didn't really know what else to say. There really wasn't anything she could say.
TC smiled that crooked smile that she had fallen in love with so many years ago. "I love you, too."
The rest of the drive to the hospital passed in silence, TC focusing on the road, and Jordan admiring the sparkly ring on her finger. Part of her couldn't believe it was there, and she had to keep glancing at her hand to reassure herself that it had actually happened. TC had actually proposed.
When they pulled into the parking lot at the hospital, they met up with Topher, who had arrived at the same time, and the trio headed inside together.
Topher kept glancing at them out of the corner of his eye, wondering what had happened; for some reason, they both looked incredibly happy, and he was confused.
Inside, they all changed quickly and were back out at the nurse's station as Topher gathered the crew for the regular before-shift meeting.
TC and Jordan made themselves comfortable near the back, TC leaning against the wall as Jordan leaned against TC. The taller doctor wrapped one arm around her shoulders, while the other grasped her left hand, his thumb rubbing across the diamond ring on her fourth finger.
They listened to Topher with half an ear, but most of their attention was on each other, so it startled them when everyone began to disperse, headed to various locations around the hospital to begin doing their jobs.
They pushed off the wall and joined Topher and Drew at the nurse's station.
The two doctors glanced at the couple before going back to a discussion about a patient that Drew had been taking care of.
TC offered an idea that Drew hadn't considered, and the younger doctor threw out a grateful smile before he went to order a round of meds that would hopefully fix the problem.
Topher frowned slightly as he focused on the couple in front of him. "OK, what the hell is going on with you two."
TC tilted his head to the side. "What do you mean?" he asked, confused.
Topher glared. "You've been walking around on cloud nine since I saw you in the parking lot. What's up?"
TC and Jordan shared a look, before Molly, seated at her desk, rolled her eyes and smiled up at them. "Congratulations you two. I'm going to want all the details later."
Jordan blushed lightly, but grinned happily. "Thanks, Molly."
Topher looked down at the nurse. "OK, what?"
Molly glanced back at him. "You can't see it? Try using those eyes, Topher. You're a doctor: observe."
Topher was still confused, but turned back to his friends as Molly left. "I'm going to need some help here."
TC and Jordan looked at each other again, but before they could clue the older doctor in, Krista bounded up to them, letting out a girlish shriek that was very out of place in the setting. Topher still looked lost, but Krista paid him no attention as she grabbed Jordan's left hand and pulled it towards her.
"Oh my God, it's gorgeous!" the Resident gushed, examining the diamond ring. Paul, who had followed her over, looked both amused and uncomfortable, but he managed a smile for the newly engaged couple.
Jordan returned the smile, nodding a thank you to the two Residents.
Topher glanced down at the hand that Krista was holding, and his eyes caught the new piece of jewelry. Understanding dawned, and he looked at TC in shock. He remembered their last tour, joking around with the two Callahan brothers, finding out that TC had a girl back home that he had been planning on marrying. He knew that TC had never asked the question, after everything that had happened in Afghanistan. He was somewhat surprised that TC had decided to go for it this time, but then, the younger doctor had definitely changed a lot in the last couple of years. Topher was glad that TC was no longer trying to push everyone away.
Krista and Paul stepped back and let Topher come in to hug first Jordan, and then TC, offering his own congratulations.
"Looks like you had a busy day," he commented idly, pulling back and glancing down at Jordan's hand, taking in the gleaming white gold, diamond, and sapphire ring. It really was beautiful.
TC shrugged, and Jordan just kept beaming.
They could have kept talking, but Gwen came rushing in at that moment, and handed a patient off to Topher and TC, before joining Jordan at the nurse's station.
The paramedic glanced over at her best friend, and raised an eyebrow. "Were you going to tell me at some point, or do I just have to guess?"
Jordan rolled her eyes, grabbing a clipboard and heading down the hall, Gwen following closely. "He asked me literally two hours ago, Gwen. Immediately after he asked, we had to get to work. When was I supposed to tell you?"
Gwen smirked. "Now works."
Jordan smiled happily, and held out her left hand for Gwen to examine. The paramedic did so, whistling in appreciation. "Guy's got good taste," she approved.
Jordan nodded, pulling her hand back and admiring the ring. "He said he bought it before he left the last time, but was too afraid to give it to me."
Gwen let out a disbelieving snort. "So instead he put you through hell and then broke up with you?"
Jordan glared at her friend. "You know things were more complicated than that. But it doesn't matter anymore. He asked me this time, and right now, we're not thinking about what's going to happen in two and a half days. Right now, we're engaged, and happy. So please, Gwen, just be happy for me."
Jordan looked so close to breaking down, that Gwen immediately pulled her to a stop and grasped her in a tight hug. "Hey, I'm sorry, Jordan. I didn't mean to cross-examine you and TC. I'm happy for you. I know how much you guys love each other. Yeah, I might hold a grudge against him for putting you through all that, but you say he's changed, and I guess I can see that too. I'm really happy for you, J."
Jordan nodded, sniffling tearfully. "Thanks," she leaned back and wiped her eyes with one hand. "I just want to be happy right now. I'm so terrified of what might happen, and you know, maybe he had a point in not asking me before he left last time. As hard as I'm trying not to, I just keep thinking about how I might never get to walk down the aisle. He asked me to marry him, and I don't know if we'll actually get that chance."
Gwen quickly pulled her into another hug. "Hey, you can't think like that," she admonished, knowing how stupid the words sounded. You couldn't just tell someone not to think about the negatives. Those fears would be there, no matter how hard Jordan tried to push them away. "TC will be doing everything in his power to get back to you, because he wants to watch you walk down that aisle. Remember that."
Jordan nodded again, and attempted a watery smile. "I know," she agreed. "I'm trying, I really am. I just can't help but think about it."
"There'd be something wrong with you if you didn't," Gwen assured her. "It's my job as best friend to look out for you, but I'm telling you right now that you need to focus on the positives. As much as I want to hate TC for putting you through this again, I can't, because I can see how much he loves you. He gave you that ring because he knows that he's got you to come back to, so he's going to do whatever he can to ensure that."
Jordan took a deep breath and inclined her head. "Yeah, you're right. I have to believe that everything's going to work out."
"Good," Gwen said sternly. "Now, I have to get back to work, and so do you, but you'll be all right?"
Jordan smiled weakly. "I'll be fine, Gwen. Thanks. See you later?"
"You got it," Gwen said as she quickly turned and headed back to the ER to find her partner.
XXX
The next two days passed by too quickly. TC and Jordan received congratulations on their engagement from pretty much everyone at the hospital; by the time that shift was over, everyone knew, proving that there really were no secrets at San Antonio Memorial Hospital.
Even Scott had sounded genuinely happy for them, though his smile had been a little strained.
As the next shift came to a close, however, there was a definite sense of doom. This was TC's last shift before he had to leave. Technically, he could have worked most of the next night, but he and Jordan were both taking that shift off, to spend the time with each other before Jordan had to drive TC to Fort Hood. They would need to leave around five thirty in the morning, in order to get there by eight, when TC needed to report.
Breakfast after that last shift was a large event, and Topher had actually requested a private room at a restaurant downtown; nearly the entire night shift showed up, doctors and nurses. Rick was there with Drew, and Janet, Lynn, and the twins came with Topher.
Naomi tagged along with Michael, as she had really gotten to like TC after he had helped out with her quinceañera. He had given her a ride on the back of his motorcycle, something she was still surprised her father had allowed, and he had seemed like such a cool, fun uncle-type. She had been disappointed that her party had to be moved, but her dad's friends and coworkers had really stepped up to make it a great day for her anyway. That was the point when she really began to realize how much her dad had changed.
He had given up a high paying job to follow his dreams, and sure, she had known in the abstract that what he had done was a good thing, it was shocking to understand that the same people her dad had complained about and never gotten along with, were now good friends, because her dad was now one of them. OK so maybe that wasn't really it, but she definitely remembered her dad griping about how much of a pain in the ass TC was. The guy she met, the one who gave her that motorcycle ride, though, he wasn't at all like the guy her dad used to complain about.
So maybe her family couldn't afford everything they used to be able to, maybe her mom now had to cover some of the costs her dad usually took care of. But her dad was a good person, and that was all that really mattered to her. He had some great friends, who had all been willing to take time out of their lives to give her a special day, and that said a lot about them.
Everyone tried to keep the atmosphere light, but there was a defined heaviness to the air as they ate and talked. They all stayed much later than they normally might have, considering most of them hadn't slept all night, but no one really wanted to leave. This could be the last time they saw TC for months. They all knew he was heading into danger, and even if they refused to acknowledge it, there was a chance they might never see him again.
Eventually, however, they had to leave. It was nearly noon, and many of them were fading fast. They trickled out in small groups, until it was just TC's closest friends left. Paul and Krista departed next, followed by Molly.
Michael offered TC a handshake, hoping that their relationship had changed since his time as an administrator. He had to admit, he liked TC a lot better as a colleague than as an employee.
TC smiled slightly as he returned the handshake. Michael cleared his throat awkwardly. "Stay safe over there, all right?"
TC nodded, and Michael moved away, allowing Scott to take his place. It was strange, how much closer they seemed to have gotten after TC had made his request for the surgeon to take care of Topher and Jordan.
Scott didn't say anything, but he gripped TC's hand tightly, hoping his expression would convey his concern. He thought the ER doctor understood when TC nodded slightly, the corners of his mouth quirking upwards in a slight smile.
Relieved, Scott stepped back and let Rick and Drew have a turn.
Rick didn't know TC that well, but he was grateful for how much the doctor had done for Drew. He remembered TC doing everything possible to save his leg, back when he had been in that bus accident, and Drew said that TC had known about them for months before anyone else, and never said a word. Rick was sure that there was a little bit of hero worship going on there, since it seemed like TC was everything Drew wanted to be – Army Ranger, brilliant doctor, confident in who he was.
Rick snapped off a quick salute. "Be careful over there, Captain," he said. TC returned the salute, and they both lowered their arms. Rick held out a hand for TC to shake. "I'm really glad I know you," he added quietly, his expression earnest.
When Rick stepped back, Drew moved in. He didn't waste time on meaningless gestures, and just grasped TC in a tight hug. TC was surprised, but he returned the hug just as fiercely. They weren't the kind of people to show their emotions normally, but Drew had come to the realization that he had never actually told TC how grateful he was for everything the older man had done for him. TC had always been willing to help him study for the test he had to take in order to qualify for Ranger School, and Drew was confident that he would pass when he took it in three weeks – he had hoped to celebrate with TC, but unfortunately, that wouldn't be possible anymore.
TC was great about teaching him on the job, but trusted him to be a competent doctor on his own. Still, when he made mistakes, TC never made him feel like an idiot; he just helped Drew to understand his error, and expected him to learn from it and never make the same mistake again.
And when TC had confronted him about his sexuality, Drew had just kept waiting for others to find out. He had anticipated jokes, and laughing, and any one of a hundred things but what he got. TC had been happy to listen to him talk about Rick, about how much he missed his partner. TC had never shared what he knew, not even with Topher and Jordan, and Drew knew that he usually told those two just about everything. It meant so much to him that TC had kept that secret, until he himself was ready to come out.
Drew pulled back and determinedly didn't let himself cry. He would miss TC so much, but he refused to show how much he was breaking down inside. He knew that Topher and Jordan were a hundred times worse, but he would still miss one of the best friends he had ever had.
Rick, Drew, Michael, Naomi, and Scott left together, and Kenny and Gwen stepped forward. Kenny shook TC's hand somberly, and then Gwen gave him a hug.
"Take care of yourself," she whispered into his ear, willing herself not to cry.
TC didn't respond, but he nodded slightly, and Gwen sniffed, pulling back and allowing Kenny to lead her outside.
The room was quiet for a moment, with just Jordan, TC, and Topher and his family left.
Topher smiled weakly. "You two are coming for dinner tonight, right?"
TC nodded. "We'll be there."
Lynn quickly flitted to TC's side and gave him a sideways hug. "We'll see you tonight Uncle TC!"
TC chuckled lightly at the eagerness of the pre-teen, and watched as Janet took the twins out to the car, Lynn following behind.
Topher sobered as his family gave him some privacy. "I'm not entirely sure she understands," he commented softly. "I think it's going to hit her in a few weeks when you don't come over for breakfast or dinner, and she can't call you whenever she wants."
TC nodded slowly, his gaze locked on the exit that Lynn had just disappeared through. "You know I'll call as much as possible," he reminded the older man. "And she can email me whenever. Everything'll be fine."
He sounded more like he was trying to reassure himself, so Topher didn't disagree. The trio headed outside, separating at their cars with one more promise to see each other in a few hours, before they all headed home to get some sleep.
XXX
Jordan turned the car off, but made no move to exit the vehicle. In the passenger seat, TC was similarly frozen.
In front of them lay the entrance to the hospital, where all of their friends were currently a couple of hours away from completing their shift for the night. It was almost five thirty in the morning, and TC and Jordan were on their way to Fort Hood, but TC wanted to stop in one last time to say goodbye.
Ever since he was fifteen, Thad had been his only family. Their parents had been hit by a drunk driver one night on their way home, with both of them killed instantly. Thad, eighteen at the time, had stepped up to take care of TC, wanting him to finish school, and doing whatever he could to make money so that they could eat every day and had a roof over their heads. It hadn't always been the best roof, but it was there.
TC had been eighteen when he and Thad had stolen a car; of course, they had gotten caught, and had to go before a judge, but that had really been the turning point for the two of them. TC had dropped out of school a year after their parents had been killed, since Thad hadn't been able to support them on his own. He had gotten his GED, and then immediately got a job running for a local drug lord. Thad couldn't complain, because technically, TC had completed the requirements to graduate high school. And the extra money definitely came in handy, even if it wasn't exactly legal.
When they had appeared for their court date on September 11, 2001, both men had been ready to turn themselves around. Watching the towers collapse on television had been a huge blow. They had enlisted together, gone through Ranger School together, and served together. Thad had been so proud when TC had shown a talent for medicine, and the Army had put him through medical school at Johns Hopkins.
And then Thad had died, and suddenly, TC was all alone. Sure, he had Jordan, and his buddies in the Army, but Thad had been his family.
Until he had come to San Antonio Memorial, and made a whole new family here. Topher was his older brother, almost as good as Thad at taking care of him. Drew was like a younger brother, someone he cared about and trusted to have his back, but also looked out for, because that's what older brothers did.
Krista and Paul were becoming closer, though they weren't quite there yet. Friends that he liked, but didn't know well enough to really call family.
Kenny was like the goofball nephew or cousin, the one who loved to crack jokes and make people laugh, but also knew how to be a serious and steady presence that his family or friends could lean on for support whenever they needed it.
Even Scott and Michael were getting warmer. Not quite family, but maybe in time.
Molly was like the mama bear, always protecting her cubs. She was a badass who ruled the night shift, looking out for everyone under her domain.
Jordan let out a weary sigh, and opened her door. "We should go in," she said softly, looking at TC.
TC nodded mutely, and copied her actions, pulling his tall frame out of the car and waiting for Jordan to join him at his side before he headed towards the entrance.
People stopped and stared at the couple as they made their way into the ER. TC was dressed in his uniform, the jacket undone, showing a tan t-shirt underneath.
Several nurses and doctors focused on the Captains stripes on one arm, and the Ranger and Special Forces tabs on the other. While they had known that TC had been in the Army before becoming a doctor, not many had realized that it went further than just being an Army medic.
But TC had been a Ranger before he had been a doctor; not just that, but he was one of the youngest to successfully complete Ranger School, and he held a record for receiving one of the highest scores to date.
The Special Forces tab showed everyone that he had completed the qualifications for admission into US Army Special Forces.
It was a shock to most of the night shift, to see the proof of TC's Army career. Most of those who had served and now worked at the hospital were like Topher, in that they had served as Army doctors and medics, but never combat soldiers. They had all assumed that it was the same for TC.
But TC wasn't just a doctor. Like Drew, the Army had put him through medical school because of his talent, but TC hadn't enlisted with the intention of becoming a doctor. He had enlisted as a Ranger, and then the Army had recognized his talent and offered him the opportunity to advance his career.
TC definitely noticed the looks, the not-so-subtle glances at his Captains stripes, and even one nurse pointing at the Ranger and Special Forces tabs on his left arm. But he ignored all of it as Molly greeted him with a firm hug.
"If I knew you looked like that, I would have demanded you wear that uniform more often," the stern nurse whispered into his ear, grinning to try and push back the pressure in her eyes that indicated she was about to start crying.
TC snorted as he pulled away. Several other nurses moved in next, as people began to circulate the news that TC was here, causing many other night shift workers to come down and say goodbye.
Michael arrived a few minutes later to find TC surrounded by colleagues, and he was amazed to watch how everyone flocked to offer the doctor – now soldier – a few words of farewell, and to show him how much they cared.
He and TC had gotten off to a rocky start, as he had really only seen the doctor as a thorn in his side, a man who refused to listen to anyone else.
But watching TC with all the night shift workers now, he realized just how much TC was cared for at this hospital. He appeared to know every single coworker by name, and every single one of them looked to be on the verge of crying.
It took a few more moments for TC's closest friends to arrive, with Krista and Drew coming down first, followed by Paul and Kenny, and then Scott, who was nearly passed by Topher as the older doctor was practically running down the hall to get to his best friend.
They all crowded around, and the other nurses and doctors moved back slightly, knowing that this group was much closer to TC than they were.
Drew plucked at the tabs on TC's sleeve. "I didn't know you were Special Forces," he commented curiously.
TC shrugged, glancing down at the tab. "I know it comes as a shock to most people, but I did actually have a career before I was a doctor. I'm a Ranger."
The way he said it, so succinctly, so matter-of-factly, was startling to those who heard him. He didn't say he used to be a Ranger. He was a Ranger. He would always be a Ranger, no matter how many years he spent out of uniform. He had taken that oath to protect and serve, and it didn't matter whether or not he was an active soldier. Being a Ranger was in his blood, in the very air he breathed.
Still though, there was a difference between simply being a Ranger, and training to join the elite ranks of Special Forces. Topher was the only one besides Jordan who knew he had passed those qualifications, even if he had gotten the offer to go to med school before he had continued to pursue that career path. If he hadn't gone to Johns Hopkins, he probably would have become a Special Forces soldier. But TC wasn't complaining, because it was the medical path that had led him to Jordan.
Scott observed TC quietly, noting several differences to the man he thought he had known. TC wasn't a doctor right now, and Scott couldn't help but be surprised by the soldier in front of him. Sure, in an abstract sense, he knew that TC had served, but it was almost like a slap to the face to see him wearing the uniform, standing straight and tall, proud of the cloth on his frame. The stripes on one sleeve showed his rank to be a Captain, which Scott actually hadn't known until Rick had addressed him as such at breakfast the day before. He wondered if he was the only one who hadn't known. Based on the looks he had observed from some of the other doctors and nurses, he was pretty sure that he wasn't. TC never talked about his Army career, so most people had really just made some guesses based on every other former soldier who worked at the hospital.
Scott watched Drew gesture to the two patches on his other sleeve, and wondered at that as well. One of them said Ranger, and the other, Special Forces. Clearly, there was much more to TC than he had ever even thought possible. Even if Scott had never served, he could imagine how competitive and intense training must be to qualify for both of those designations.
Topher was smiling proudly at his younger friend as he lightly slapped TC's shoulder. "Not just a Ranger," he couldn't help but brag a little for the guy, since TC really wasn't one to do it himself. "Youngest Ranger to qualify ever, fastest recorded time in twenty years. Youngest to qualify for Special Forces too. Nineteen, right?"
TC blushed slightly, looking down at the floor as Jordan leaned into his side, giving him a light hug.
Drew raised an eyebrow. "Now why isn't all that on your resume?"
TC threw a small glare at Topher, but he wasn't really angry, just annoyed that the man had to bring it up. He knew it was impressive and all, but he really just wanted to do his job. He didn't think it was worth mentioning.
Topher rolled his eyes. "Oh relax, T. It's not like I told them about how you got your GED when you were sixteen, or how you were accepted to Johns Hopkins without even going to college first. Oh wait," he smirked, and avoided the slap that TC aimed at him.
TC's glare intensified, and he tried to ignore the awed stares Paul and Krista were leveling at him.
Drew was just as surprised, but he hid it behind a simple raised eyebrow.
TC was irritated. He knew it sounded pretty amazing, but Topher didn't mention how he had had to get his GED because he had had to drop out of school to get a job so that he and Thad could eat and afford a place to live. Topher didn't mention how he had dropped out of school and started running drugs, or how he had only ended up in the Army because he and Thad had committed a crime. When you factored all that in, it really wasn't that great a story anymore.
Topher was still chuckling as Jordan tightened her hold on TC's waist. "Calm down, T. This is just Topher's way of bragging about you, since you never do it for yourself. Just accept the compliment."
TC rolled his eyes. Why did people seem to feel that he should be bragging about his accomplishments? He didn't really think it was anything special, but for some reason, others did.
Knowing what he was thinking, Jordan sighed and stood on her toes to give him a quick peck on the lips. "Just embrace your awesomeness," she whispered as she pulled back.
TC barely kept himself from rolling his eyes again.
"So you're on your way out of town now?" Michael asked, knowing that they probably had to hit the road soon.
Jordan nodded, sobering immediately at the reminder. "We just wanted to stop by before we left."
Michael nodded in understanding. He hadn't really thought about it before, but he was realizing that TC's only family was at this hospital. He was about to go off to a war, and he wanted to come to the hospital first, to say goodbye. He literally had no other family left to see or talk to before he went overseas, just the people at this hospital.
Jordan sighed and leaned her head against TC's shoulder. "We should probably leave," she said regretfully. She wanted nothing more than to take TC home and forget that they had to make the two and a half hour drive up to Ford Hood, but she knew that wasn't an option.
Her words had an immediate effect, as everyone straightened subconsciously. Krista and Paul said their goodbyes quickly, Krista hugging TC as she tried not to start crying. She had been working with the tall doctor for less than a year, but he was already someone she felt very close to, and she hated the thought of him being in danger.
Paul wasn't quite confident enough to hug TC, but he did shake the older man's hand, trying to smile before he stepped back.
Michael also didn't feel like he was a close enough friend to give TC a hug, but his handshake was firm as he tried to pass along his feelings. He thought he was successful, when the other man smiled softly, nodding his head slightly.
Kenny went next, and his handshake contrasted with the suddenly uncertain expression he currently sported. "Be safe," he implored, his eyes conveying all of his worry.
When he stepped back, Scott immediately filled the space. He found himself suddenly wishing that he had made more of an effort to befriend TC before now. TC had been right when he had said that they probably could have been great friends if it hadn't been for the fact that they had both dated the same woman.
He grasped TC's hand and pulled him in for a one-armed hug. Surprisingly, it didn't feel as awkward as he thought it would, and TC was returning the hug, so he considered that a win. "I'll keep my promise," the surgeon whispered, his voice quiet enough that no one else would overhear, and tense with concern.
TC nodded thankfully as they pulled apart, and then Molly moved in. The stern nurse wasn't even trying to hide her tears anymore as she hugged him unabashedly. "Take care of yourself over there, TC," she beseeched.
When she pulled back, they all looked at Drew, who was clearly trying not to show any emotion. He sniffed lightly as he stepped forward and grasped TC in a tight hug. He didn't even try to speak, his actions said it all.
When he pulled away, the group backed up slightly, leaving Topher, TC, and Jordan with some space. Topher took a shaky breath as he observed his best friend. The younger doctor looked like he was about to be led to his execution, and Topher had to shiver at the thought.
In a move that was almost too fast to track, Topher stepped forward and grasped TC in a tight hug, wishing he didn't have to let go, ever. He found himself wishing he had told TC more often how much he meant to him, to his family. He wished he had told him how much he appreciated his steady presence, his carefree attitude, and the way he was always willing to listen and offer his assistance.
He didn't want to let go. But he knew he had to.
TC seemed to feel the same way, as they pulled apart. Topher didn't say anything, knowing that nothing he could say would make this better.
With a weary sigh, Jordan gripped TC's hand and pulled him towards the exit. The doctors and nurses crowded around, several waving, the rest just somberly watching the couple leave.
There were a few men in fatigues who had been in the waiting room; they had poked their heads out when they saw TC, and recognizing the situation, when he began walking to the exit, they offered him salutes. Similarly, several other patients who were able, stood to show him their respect.
Jordan and TC were silent as they got back into Jordan's car. They were silent nearly the entire two and a half hour drive to Fort Hood. Jordan was glad that she drove an automatic car, because she was able to spend the whole trip gripping TC's hand so tightly, she wasn't sure she would be able to untangle their fingers.
When they finally pulled into the parking lot at Fort Hood, TC felt like he had lost the circulation in his hand, and Jordan's fingers had cramped from holding on so hard.
They had to separate to get out of the car, but as soon as they did, they were back together once more. Jordan was grasping onto TC's arm with all she had, practically on top of him as they made their way inside. That was as far as Jordan could go. TC would need to go through a checkpoint before he would board a plane to Georgia.
Jordan was nearly shaking as she saw several other men and women in military uniforms presumably all getting on the same plane as TC. They all had family members around them as well, and no one looked particularly happy.
TC quickly turned to face her and cupped her face in his hands, trying to smile though the tears that gathered in his eyes ruined the image. "Hey," he soothed, bending down quickly to give her a kiss. "I love you. No matter what else, just remember that. I'll email you, call whenever I can. We can do this."
Jordan nodded, making every effort possible to keep her tears from falling. "I love you, T. Please take care of yourself, and come back to me. I need you in my life. I need you."
TC quickly circled his arms around her waist, nearly pulling her off her feet as he hugged her. Jordan's grip was just as tight as she buried her face in his shoulder.
A call came for the soldiers to make their way to the checkpoint, and TC knew he had to let go. When he pulled back, Jordan was shaking, and TC felt a few tears leak from his eyes. He hated what this was doing to the love of his life. He quickly leaned in to give her another kiss. "I plan on marrying you, Jordan Alexander," he swore, ducking slightly so that he could look her directly in the eyes. "I gave you that ring because I have every intention of marrying you. Everything's going to work out."
A final call sounded, and the other soldiers began gathering their bags and making their way back.
Jordan threw herself into TC's arms for one last hug. "I love you," she gasped. "Please, you have to come back. I need you to come back."
TC nodded quickly, holding her close. "I'll come back. I'll come back." He knew he shouldn't make such a promise, but Jordan needed to hear it.
He gave her one last intense kiss, before he grabbed his bag and followed the other soldiers. Jordan made her way to the window at the far wall, the furthest she could go. Other family members crowded around her, as they all watched their loved ones make their way outside to a plane sitting on the tarmac a short distance away.
Jordan watched TC disappear onto the plane. He looked so good in his uniform. She didn't know if she had told him that.
She watched the door to the plane close. She watched it taxi down the runway, gathering speed until it lifted up into the air.
And only then, did she allow herself to cry.
All right, well that chapter turned into a beast!
As a side note, all of my knowledge of Army specialties and info comes from Google searches and my own imagination. I apologize if it's wrong.
Please review!